Ways to Say Thanks in English: Snap Language™

Ways to Say “Thank You” in English

When someone does something nice, you should be polite and say, “Thanks” or “Thank you!”

Did you know there are many ways to say thanks to someone? Some ways are formal or professional. Other ways are informal or friendly.

In this lesson, you will learn many ways of saying thanks in different situations.

Formal “Thanks”

As in all languages, English has different levels of formality. There are a few ways to be formal in English when you say thank someone.

Formal “thank you”

You can say, “I would like to thank you for [something]..” In spoken English, “I would like…” becomes “I’d like…”

To be grateful is another way of saying to be thankful for something. “Grateful” sounds a little more formal than “thankful.”

When you say “I appreciate it” after thanking someone, you are saying that you understand the importance or value of what they are doing or did for you. So, you are expressing even more gratitude than just “thanks.”

Examples

I’m very grateful [for something]

Thank you very much!

Thank you. I appreciate it very much.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

I appreciate your [something]

Thanks for Something

When you thank someone, you can also say for what you are thanking the person.

Note the use of the preposition for with “thank you” and “to be grateful” no preposition with “appreciate.”

[thanks] + [for what]

You can say “thank you” for something such as your help, dinner, the chocolates, the visit, etcetera.

You can say “thank you” for the action such as helping me, cooking dinner for us, bringing chocolates, visiting me, and so on.

Examples

Thanks for your help.

Thanks for helping me with the homework.

Thank you for the delicious dinner

Thank you for cooking this delicious dinner.

I’d like to thank you for your help.

I’d like to thank you for helping me.

Thank you very much for doing this for me.

I’d like to thank you for inviting me to the party.

Showing Gratitude

”Gratitude” is a word from Latin. It means you are thankful for something or someone. “To be grateful” is a little bit more formal way of saying “to be thankful.”

[be grateful] + [for what]

You can say “I’m grateful” by itself, but usually you also say “for what” you are grateful.

Examples

I’m grateful for all your help.

I’m grateful for your kindness.

I’m very grateful for your assistance.

Showing Appreciation

[appreciate] + [something]

”To appreciate” means to understand that something or someone is important or valuable. When people show appreciation for something you do or did, they are showing that they understand how important and valuable it is.

"To appreciate" needs no preposition. The structure is to appreciate something.

Examples

I appreciate your help.

I appreciate your helping me.

I appreciate your kindness.

I really appreciate your answering all my questions.

Informal, Friendly “Thanks”

Informal situations are those where, for example, you are talking to family members, friends, or people you have a close relationship with.

In an informal situation, it is okay to say “Thank you very much,” but it may sound too formal. In other informal situations, you may want to be polite but also very friendly.

thanks!

Many thanks for [for something]
Thank you! You’ve very kind.
Thank you!>
Thanks!
Thanks a lot!
Thanks a bunch!
Thanks a million!
Thanks. You’re awesome!
Cheers! (usually in British English)

Notes about Formality

Sometimes you are unsure what level of formality you should use. If you are not sure, it is better to be formal than informal.

A formal, polite “Thank you very much” or “Thank you! I appreciate it” is a safe way to thank someone in any situation.

Etymology

"Gratitude" comes from Latin gratitudinem, meaning “thankfulness” or “pleasing to the mind.” You can see it in modern languages such as Spanish (gratitud), Portuguese (gratidão), or Italian (gratitudine).

”Thanks” is related to it in Galician (grazas), Spanish (gracias), Italian (grazie), or Catalan (gràcies).

Do you see the root in “congratulations?” This comes from Lain gratus (“giving thanks” or “showing joy”)

Related Materials

This lesson frequently mentioned “levels of formality.” Read Level of Formality in American Language and Culture to learn more about it. (Link opens in a new tab.)

Also check out Ways to Say “You’re Welcome.”

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“What should I learn next?”

When people say “Thank you,” you say “You’re welcome!” back to them, right? Do you know other ways to say that? Learn about it in this lesson.

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